Tororo Municipality has been abuzz over the past two days as dozens of parliamentary aspirants and their supporters thronged the Electoral Commission offices for nominations ahead of the 2026 general elections.
By the close of the exercise, 50 candidates had been cleared to contest across the district's seven constituencies.
According to the Electoral Commission, West Budama Central attracted three candidates, including incumbent MP Jacob Oboth Oboth, who will be defending his seat.
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West Budama South registered four contenders, West Budama North East seven, West Budama North nine, Tororo County North eight, Tororo County South four, Tororo Municipality seven, while the District Woman MP seat drew eight aspirants.
Speaking shortly after his nomination, Oboth expressed confidence in his decade-long record of service.
"My achievements in the constituency for the past ten years speak louder than words. Even the heavens know that I'm the best candidate -- I do what I say and serve people with my heart, not just with my brains," he said.
The District Woman MP race, viewed as one of the most competitive, has attracted eight candidates seeking to unseat incumbent Sarah Achieng Opendi, who faces accusations of underperformance.
"Women in Tororo for the last fifteen years have not had good leadership. A Woman MP is supposed to articulate issues affecting women, which has not been the case," said Pheobe Otaala, one of Opendi's challengers.
Opendi dismissed the criticism, defending her record and visibility at the national level.
"I have spoken to the people of Tororo, I have spoken to the people of Uganda, and there is nowhere you will go in the country and people don't know me," she said.
The nominations also drew interest with the participation of Shyam Tanna, son of former Tororo Municipality MP Sanjay Tanna, who is seeking to unseat incumbent Apollo Yeri Ofwono.
Several NRM primary losers also returned as independents, alleging irregularities and lack of transparency in the party's internal elections.
Meanwhile, the Tororo District Returning Officer cautioned candidates against organizing large crowds during the campaign period, warning that violations could affect their eligibility once campaigns commence.
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"We urge all candidates to observe the guidelines and desist from attracting large crowds. Violations may have future consequences for some aspirants," the officer said.
The Electoral Commission is expected to announce the official campaign period for parliamentary races in the coming days.
